Reduction of energy consumption

Our current focus is on reducing our ferries' energy consumption per crossing. We are investing in energy efficiency and operational adjustments that lead to energy savings.

Since the opening of the route connecting Puttgarden in Germany and Rødby in Denmark, Scandlines has improved its concept for traffic machines to perfection: multiple crossings every day, and 365 days a year – that means more than 35,000 departures every year. For this reason, even small adjustments have a great impact.

The crossing of the 18.5 km route only takes 45 minutes, and disembarking and embarking is handled within 15 minutes. Therefore, the Beeline is the fastest and most efficient route from Scandinavia to the European continent – and very soon, it becomes direct emission free as well.

New propeller blades on the Rostock ferries 

In January 2023 we installed new propeller blades on the Rostock ferries, thereby optimising the vessels for the current operating profile.  This results in improved propeller efficiency and a saving in propulsion energy of as much as 11 percent.

In 2016, we introduced two new hybrid ferries on the Rostock-Gedser route. The ferries are specially designed for the route and for a speed of 20 knots with three engines in operation: two on the centre propeller and one for the hotel load and thrusters.

As part of our green agenda, the speed has been reduced to 16 knots and therefore only one engine is needed on the centre propeller. The propulsion machinery of the vessel is not optimised for this speed and one main engine does not have sufficient torque to rotate the propeller at the designed pitch (angle of the propeller blade). In order not to overload the engine, pitch is reduced and propeller efficiency decreases significantly.

The former centre propeller with a diameter of 4.6 metres was thus not being used optimally, and we therefore decided to replace the five propeller blades with smaller blades, so that the centre propeller now has a diameter of 4.2 metres. In addition to improved efficiency, this also reduces vibration and the risk of bottom damage.

With a crossing time of two hours, we reduce the propulsion energy by up to 11 percent thanks to the new propeller blades, also leading to reduction of emissions produced.

New centre propeller blades for the Scandlines Rostock-Gedser-Rostock hybrid ferries:

Before: Centre propeller with a diameter of 4.6 metres

Now: Centre propeller with a diameter of 4.2 metres

Number: The centre propeller has a total of five blades

Weight: Each blade weighs 1,223 kg

Propulsion energy saving: 11 percent